Operation of Gasification-Combined-Cycle (GCC) Power Plants on a Utility Network: A Simulation Analysis. Volume 1. Results and Conclusions. Final Report

摘要

This two-volume report presents the results of a simulation analysis in which models of gasification-combined-cycle (GCS) plants were inserted into a power system model. The objective of this study was to develop plant models of GCC plants based on different types of gasifiers and to evaluate the effects of replacing conventional fossil power plants with GCC plants on a utility power system. The simulation models of GCC plants were based on: entrained flow gasifiers of the Texaco type under oxygen-blown, pressurized, slagging conditions; moving-bed gasifiers of the Lurgi type under air-blown, pressurized, dry ash conditions; and moving-bed gasifiers of the Lurgi type as modified by British Gas Corporation for oxygen-blown, pressurized, slagging operation. The entrained GCC plant simulation discussed in detail in this volume, was subsequently analyzed with the existing power system model of the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) interconnection. The prominent interest in this gasifier technology stems from its selection for the GCC demonstration plant in the Cool Water project (RP1459), representing the first such effort jointly sponsored by the American utility industry. In the power system case studies, GCC plants replaced existing fossil plant capacity, with both high and low levels of insertion during morning pickup and peak-of-day periods. In all cases, the entrained GCC plants responded well with low, flat incremental cost curves, which make them good candidates for baseload operation with excellent regulating capability. Overall comparisons with base case performance showed comparable system response with lower system cost levels. Such results indicate that GCC plants can definitely contribute to improving power system performance.